Schmidttie baby - It's Jason Schmidt's 2004 debut tonight and I'm so excited! We're currently 1 game back in the NL West

Jonathan Okanes of the Contra Costa Times reports: "The Giants treaded water for the first week and a half of the season without Schmidt. He missed only what was equivalent to two starts, and the Giants are 5-4. His return should be a major boost for the Giants, not only because of what he can do on the mound but because of the peace of mind knowing the most lethal weapon in the starting rotation's arsenal is back.

"Everybody is more relaxed with him back, knowing he will be there every five days," Giants manager Felipe Alou said. "The starting rotation grows taller with him. It's not because the other guys will feel better, but because of having a guy of that stature every five days."

S.F. Pitching probables for this weekend vs. the Dodgers include:
Friday, game 1: Jason Schmidt
Saturday, game 2: Kirk "Woody" Reuter
Sunday, game 3: Two sources say either Jerome Williams or Brett Tomko